Simple Chocolate Orange Oatmeal for Breakfast

Looking for the perfect bowl of oatmeal? Look no further. This recipe for chocolate orange oatmeal for breakfast is so simple to make, and the combination of flavours makes it feel like dessert in the morning

Nothing better on these cold, dark mornings than a nice steaming bowl of nourishing oatmeal for breakfast. My smoothies have taken a back seat, but with them has gone my daily addition of medicinal mushroom blend. Medicinal mushrooms have been making regular appearances in health enthusiasts diets and for good reason! When I found out about this Reishi Hot Chocolate mix, I knew it would be an easy addition to my morning routine. Currently, my favourite way is to add it to my oatmeal, which when combined with orange marmalade, it makes this delicious chocolate orange oatmeal for breakfast.

“Reishi mushroom is highly regarded in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is used for everything from immune enhancement to stress”

Health Benefits of Reishi

What Is Reishi Used For?

The Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum and G. applanatum, G. tsugae) is highly prized as a superfood in Traditional Chinese Medicine where it has been used for over two thousand years and is seen as a symbol of health and longevity. Unfortunately, there is lacking clinical data on the health benefits of reishi mushroom, but historically reishi has been used for numerous conditions. Herbalists may recommend it for ageing, enhancing the immune system, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular benefit, respiratory problems, urinary tract symptoms and stress.

Active Compounds in Reshi

Reishi contains hundreds of bioactive beta-glucans and triterpenes, including ganoderic acid. It is thought to be antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, an ACE inhibitor and protective to the liver, as well as protective for the body against radiation. It is also an antioxidant.

Antioxidant Effect of Reishi

There are several constituents that are thought to be responsible for the antioxidant properties of reishi mushrooms including the polysaccharides, polysaccharide-peptide complexes, and polyphenols (1). Triterpenoids from reishi mushroom are also thought to have potential antioxidant action(2).

Immune Enhancing Effect of Reshi

The polysaccharides in reishi mushroom may play a role in their anti-cancer effects (2). They may stimulate cytokine production from macrophages and T lymphocytes (for the science nerds, this means the polysaccharides may increase interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6, and tumour necrosis factor-alpha in macrophage cultures). Triterpenoids from reishi mushroom are also thought to have potential antitumor and immunomodulatory effects (2).

Local Reshi Alternatives

I had the pleasure of doing a medicinal mushroom course with renowned mycologist and herbalist Robert Rogers. During a field trip, he showed us our ‘West Coast Reishi,’ Ganoderma oregonenses. It is an annual conk and comes to fruit in September.

Tips on Making Chocolate Oatmeal with Orange

Making The Perfect Oatmeal

If you like your oats the traditional way, creamy and gooey, then an extra few extra minutes at the stove top is required. Do not cook your oats with milk for this method, as the milk will curdle if heated too high. Use a 1:3 ratio, 1 part oats and 3 parts water (and a pinch of salt).

To make the best oatmeal for breakfast, add your oats to a saucepan with the water over high heat and as soon as bubbles start to form turn down the heat. Use a wooden spoon to continuously stir the oats so they do not stick to the bottom of the pan. Stir for at least 10 minutes, up to 15 minutes. The last 5 minutes needs the most attention at the stove top.

No-Stir Oatmeal Method

This is my go-to method for those busy mornings. The result is not as creamy, but I do not mind a little bit of bite to my oats. Simply add the 1 part oats to 3 parts water into a saucepan. Bring to a boil and let boil for 1 minute. Turn off the heat and leave the saucepan on the hot element with the lid on. Let the oats ‘steam’ for about 8-10 minutes. Now they are ready to have extras and toppings added.

Overnight Oats

For even more time-saving in the morning, prepare your oats the night before. Simply add the oats to your water or hemp milk in a glass sealable container, using a 1:2 ration of oats to liquid. Add your additional ingredients, including a pinch of salt and this Reishi Hot Chocolate Powder, and let sit covered in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning it is ready to eat. Add more hemp milk if it is too thick, or add some chia if it is too runny. Top with orange marmalade to complete the chocolate orange oatmeal for breakfast.

How To Make Oatmeal With Milk

Traditionally milk is added after the oats are already cooked, this is because milk is prone to curdling if it reaches boiling temperature. I love adding homemade hemp milk to my oatmeal, mostly because it is so simple to make and reduces packaging, but also because the results are super creamy oatmeal that is high in protein. Interested in making your own homemade hemp milk? See my simple Hemp Milk Recipe here.

Notes on Making Chocolate Orange Oatmeal for Breakfast

Increasing Protein

The addition of homemade hemp milk can add some protein, but I suggest adding an addition 1-2 tablespoons of hemp hearts to get your protein intake up in the morning. Some research has suggested an aim of ~15 to 20 grams of protein first thing in the morning can help speed up our metabolism. A 2 tablespoon serving of hemp hearts contains 6 grams of protein.

Reshi Hot Chocolate

This reishi hot chocolate is made by our very own Vancouver Based Company Botanica Health. It is Certified Organic and contains 1500mg of Reishi mushroom per serving, with only whole-food ingredients with no artificial sweeteners, flavours or funny stuff.

If you can’t get your hands on this yummy stuff, simply add 1 heaped tablespoon of good quality cacao powder to your oatmeal and 1 teaspoon of honey or maple syrup. Option to also add 1/4 teaspoon of duel-extract reishi powder for the medicinal mushroom benefit.

Did you make this Simple Chocolate Orange Oatmeal for Breakfast Recipe? Please let me know how it turned out for you! Share it on Pinterest and leave a comment below. I would love it if you shared a picture of your recreation on Instagram so I can take a look, and be sure to tag me @theconsciousdietitian.

Chocolate Orange Oatmeal for Breakfast

Who doesn't like dessert for breakfast. This combination of chocolate and orange feels like a treat, and the addition of reshi mushrooms adds a little boost to your morning routine. Ever wonder how to make the perfect bowl of traditional oatmeal? Well look no further. The recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan.

Course
Breakfast

Cuisine
English

Keyword
Breakfast, Oatmeal, Reishi

Cook Time15minutes

Total Time15minutes

Servings2

Calories255kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

Start by heating the oats and water in a heavy bottom saucepan over medium-high heat, adding a pinch of salt to add some flavour. Once the mixture is brought to a boil, turn down to medium heat and to let the oats cook for 12 to 15 minutes.

It is important to stir your oats regularly, use a wooden spoon for best results. For the first 10 minutes, make sure you give the oats a good stir every few minutes. The last 10-15 minutes is where any real sticking will occur, so be diligent with stirring your oat during the last few minutes.

The oats are finished cooking when the have completely broken down and the starch has formed a nice paste-like consistency.

Remove from heat and add the hot chocolate mix and stir well.

Divide into two bowls and top with the orange marmalade or jam. Serve with a splash of hemp milk (or any milk or milk alternative) if you enjoy a more running oatmeal.

Recipe Notes

Add more protein: Sprinkle each serving with 1 to 2 tablespoons of hemp hearts,
Make it gluten-free: Purchase certified gluten-free oats,
Add some crunch: Add 1 tbsp cacao nibs per serving.
In a hurry: Make overnight oats by soaking 1 cup of oats in 2 cups of milk or milk alternative overnight in the fridge. Add more milk on serving.

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Hi! I am Rachel and I am a Registered Dietitian who is passionate about plant-based nutrition that is not only healthy for us, but also for the planet. I want to share with you my favourite plant-based recipes, nutrition information that is always backed up by evidence, and tips on green sustainable eating. Check out my site and let me know what you think! Read more about The Conscious Dietitian